Amusement ride

ABSTRACT

Provided is an amusement ride. The amusement ride includes a vehicle for one or more passengers and a lifting device to move the vehicle between a lower position and a raised position. The lifting device includes a nested tube arrangement having a plurality of nested tubes, a fluid reservoir for housing an operating fluid fluidically connected to the nested tubes, and a pressurizing device to pressurize the operating fluid for supplying pressurized operating fluid within the nested tubes to extend the nested tube arrangement in order to lift the vehicle from the lower position to a raised position.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to European application EP 16175036.9, entitled Amusement Ride and filed 17 Jun. 2016, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to amusement and theme parks rides, in particular to amusement rides moving a vehicle carrying one or more passengers alternately between a lower position and a raised position. Similar kinds of amusement rides are also known as towers, or drop rides.

BACKGROUND

Park operators and ride producers are continuously seeking to increase the entertainment experience, fun and enjoyment for both the passengers of the amusement rides and the spectators.

There are also known in the art water rides provided with vehicles, intended to be occupied by passengers that are moved along a slide, partially arranged inside water so that a “splash” effect can be generated when the vehicle passes in the slide provided with water. Similar water rides are known in the art with the name of log flumes, wherein vehicles in the form of hollow logs are moved along a water flume by the water flow. A descent is usually provided in the water flume with a splashdown effect.

These rides allow interaction of passengers with water splashed in some portions of the slide along which the vehicles (hollow logs) are moved; these rides are mainly intended for kids and families and are not attractive to adult passengers because of the limited fun and thrill. Additionally, these rides necessitate a large area for their installation, in order to provide a sufficient length of the water path (water flume) along which the vehicles move.

Therefore, it is an aim of the present invention to provide an amusement ride able to increase the thrill and, in general, the entertainment experience provided to the passengers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This and other aims are reached by an amusement ride according to the claims.

According to an embodiment an amusement ride comprises a vehicle for one or more passengers and lifting means to move said vehicle between a lower position and a raised position. The lifting means comprise a nested tube arrangement, having a plurality of nested tubes, a fluid reservoir for housing an operating fluid and fluidically connected to the nested tubes, and pressurizing means to pressurize the operating fluid for supplying pressurized operating fluid within said nested tubes. As a consequence, the nested tube arrangement is extended by the pressurized operating fluid, supplied within the nested tubes, in order to lift the vehicle from said lower position to said raised position.

The vehicle is moved alternately between the lower and the raised position, i.e. the amusement ride is not of the “roller coaster” kind where the vehicle is moved cyclically along a closed path. On the contrary, the present amusement ride is more similar to the “tower” kind, where a vehicle is moved up and down along a guide, typically along a substantially vertical and straight line.

The nested tube arrangement is a known arrangement for two or more tubes, wherein a smaller tube can axially move (typically slide) within a larger tube. This arrangement is also known as “nesting tube” arrangement or “telescopic tube” arrangement. As a result, when the tubes are all inserted one within the other, the nested tube arrangement is in its retracted condition. In such a condition, the length of the nested tube arrangement (measured along the axis of the nested tube arrangement) is minimum. On the contrary, when the smaller tubes are moved out of the larger tubes, the nested tube arrangement is in its extended condition. In such a condition, the length of the nested tube arrangement (measured along the axis of the nested tube arrangement) is maximum. The operating fluid, supplied under pressure within the nested tubes, is thus used to extend the nested tubes and moving one or more tubes out of at least another tube. For example, a smaller tube is moved out from larger tube.

The definitions “raised position” and “lowered position” are evident in this field. In particular, the “raised position” is the one where the vehicle, during its run (i.e. movement) provided by the extension of the nested tubes arrangement due to the pressurized operating fluid, is at the maximum distance from the ground, and the lowered position is the one where the vehicle, during its run, is at the minimum distance from the ground.

Advantageously, the nested tube is a compact and simple solution to move the vehicle. Also, thanks to the pressurized operating fluid used to raise the nested tubes, a great upward acceleration can be imparted to the vehicle.

According to an embodiment, the operating fluid is water. Water is a fluid that is simple to handle.

The use of water allows increasing the thrill and, in general, the entertainment experience provided to the passengers.

According to an embodiment, the nested tube arrangement comprises operating fluid ejecting means, e.g. water ejecting means, arranged to eject water from said nested tube arrangement, advantageously located at the vehicle or close to the vehicle. In more detail, according to an advantageous embodiment, the water ejecting means are placed below the vehicle, in order to eject fluid at the vehicle, below it. In other words, the water ejecting means are provided with one or more outlets that are placed below and near the vehicle. Thanks to this, water pressure within the nested tube arrangement can be easily and quickly dropped to low values. Also, the passenger may experience the impression of being raised directly by water, as if he was sitting on a geyser.

According to an embodiment, the ejecting means are arranged to eject water at an angle equal to or lower than 90 degrees, an angle equal to or lower than 60 degrees, or an angle equal to or lower than 45 degrees, with respect to the axis of said nested tube arrangement. In other words, the operating fluid, e.g. the jets of water ejected from the device are directed substantially downwards. This feature, among others, allows easy collection of the ejected water, to be used again in following operating cycles of the amusement ride, and improves the “geyser” feeling for the passengers.

A water collector may be placed around the nested tube arrangement in order to collect the water ejected by the device, in order to allow its re-use in a following ride. As a result, waste of water is reduced.

According to an embodiment, the pressurizing means comprise an air compressor. This is a compact and simple solution.

According to an embodiment, the amusement ride comprises weighing means to weigh said vehicle at least when it is at the lower position. The weight and the number of the passengers loaded in the vehicle may vary between different operating cycles of the amusement ride. As a result, it is advantageous to adapt the pressure of the operating fluid (and thus the lifting force applied to the vehicle) according to the total weight of the vehicle, i.e. the weight of the vehicle plus the passenger(s).

According to an embodiment, the nested tubes are provided with at least one gas chamber defined between subsequent nested tubes (typically between the lateral surfaces of the nested tubes) of the nested tube arrangement. The gas chamber is arranged so that the dimension of said gas chamber (and in particular the volume of the chamber) varies according to the relative position between subsequent nested tubes of the nested tube arrangement. This allows to dampen the movement of the various nested tubes according to their relative position, allowing to select the desired pattern for the extension (i.e. the deployment) of the nested tube arrangement.

According to an embodiment, the gas chamber is provided with openings and the nested tube arrangement is provided with sealing means to seal at least part of the openings, according to the relative position of the nested tubes. This allows further control over the extension pattern of the nested tube arrangement. As an example, fluidic connection between the gas chamber and the external environment may be provided by two openings, a bigger one and a smaller one.

At the beginning of the extension movement, both the openings are open, so that a great flow of air is allowed from the first gas chamber into the external environment (e.g. outside the chamber). Compression of air in the gas chamber is easy, and no braking force (i.e. no dampening) is exerted on the nested tubes. The extension speed of the nested tube arrangement is high. Subsequently, at a certain point of the movement (i.e. the run) of the nested tubes, the bigger opening is closed by the sealing means. As a result, the flow of air towards the external environment (e.g. outside the chamber) is provided only by the smaller opening, so that air provides a greater resistance to compression, and thus extension speed of the nested tube arrangement is reduced.

According to an embodiment, the amusement ride comprises braking means to brake the vehicle for at least part of the return run from the raised position towards said lower position. This helps braking the movement of the vehicle, e.g. when the presence of the operating fluid within the nested tube arrangement during the descent movement is not enough to provide an appropriate damping (braking) of the vehicle speed.

According to an embodiment, the braking means and/or the weighing means comprise at least one pneumatic piston, placed laterally with respect to the nested tube arrangement.

According to an embodiment, the braking means and the weighing means coincide.

A further aspect of the present invention provides for a method of operating an amusement ride according to one or more of the previous embodiments, comprising the steps of:

(a) loading at least one passenger on the vehicle when the vehicle is at the lower position; (b) operating the pressurizing means to pressurize the operating fluid; (c) supplying the pressurized operating fluid to said nested tubes to extend the nested tube arrangement in order to lift the vehicle from the lower position to the raised position; (d) operating the pressurizing means to reduce pressure of the operating fluid or to stop pressurizing of the operating fluid to retract the nested tube arrangement in order to lower the vehicle from said raised position to said lower position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The present invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawing are not necessarily to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Like numerals denote like features throughout the specification and drawing. With reference to the enclosed drawings, exemplary and non-limiting embodiments will be now discussed, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an amusement ride according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the vehicle is at the lower position;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, wherein the vehicle is at the raised position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of an amusement ride, wherein the vehicle is at the lower position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 3, wherein the vehicle is at the raised position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 3, wherein the vehicle contacts the braking means during its run from the raised position towards the lower position;

FIG. 6A, 6B are detailed view of the gas chamber during subsequent steps of the extension of the nested tube arrangement;

FIGS. 7A, 7B are detailed view of the gas chamber during subsequent steps of the retraction of the nested tube arrangement;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the operating fluid ejecting means of an amusement ride according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the fluid ejecting means of an amusement ride according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An amusement ride 1 comprises a vehicle 2 for one or more passengers 20. The vehicle 2 may be of different types. Generally, the vehicle 2 comprises a plurality of seats 2 a, arranged to house a number of seated passengers 20. In the shown embodiment, the vehicle comprises eight seats 2 a, arranged on the sides of a quadrilateral (e.g. square) shape. Number, shape and arrangement of the seats 2 a may vary between different embodiments. Known locking means (e.g. belts or similar elements) may be arranged on the vehicle 2 to secure the passenger 20 to the vehicle, i.e. to avoid disengagement between the passenger 20 and the vehicle 2 during operation of the amusement ride 1. The amusement ride 1 also comprises lifting means L, to move the vehicle between a lower position (shown e.g. in FIGS. 1 and 3) and a raised position (shown e.g. in FIGS. 2 and 4). In other words, the lifting means are arranged so that, in operation, the vehicle 2 is moved up (i.e. towards the raised position) and down (towards the lower position). The lifting means L are typically arranged to move the vehicle along a substantially straight path. According to an aspect, the path is substantially arranged vertically, when the amusement ride 1 is in use.

The lifting means L comprise a fluidic reservoir 4 to house an operating fluid 10. The fluidic reservoir 4 may be any kind of housing or container capable of containing an operating fluid 10. As better discussed later, the operating fluid 10 is used to move the vehicle 2 between the lower and the raised positions. The lifting means L also includes a nested tube arrangement 3, comprising a plurality of nested tubes 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d, 3 e, 3 f. In the schematic embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the nested tube arrangement comprises three nested tubes 3 a-3 c; in the embodiment of FIGS. 3-6, six nested tubes 3 a-3 f are shown. In general, the number of nested tubes may vary between different embodiments. Typically, there is a fixed nested tube and a plurality (i.e. at least two) movable nested tube. One embodiment comprises three nested tubes, typically a fixed nested tube and two movable nested tubes.

The arrangement of tubes in a nested arrangement is known in mechanics. In particular, the nested tubes 3 a-3 f have progressively decreasing section dimensions, and are arranged one within the other. Each nested tube (apart from the largest one) can slide with respect to the relevant larger nested tube, so that the length of the nested tube arrangement 3 may vary according to the relative position between the different nested tubes 3 a-3 f. In the following, when the nested tubes 3 a-3 f are moved out one from the other, increasing the length of the nested tube arrangement 3, reference will be made to an “extending” of the nested tube arrangement 3. On the contrary, when the nested tubes 3 a-3 f are moved to be inserted one within the other, decreasing the length of the nested tube arrangement 3, reference will be made to a “retracting” of the nested tube arrangement.

According to an embodiment, the first nested tube 3 a, i.e. the largest one, may be fixed, while the other nested tubes 3 b-3 f are movable. The definition “fixed” and “movable” are to be considered during use, with respect to the ground where the amusement ride 1 is placed. As a result, a tube element is “fixed” when it does not move with respect to the ground.

In other words, according to an aspect of the invention, the first nested tube 3 a is substantially fixed with respect to the ground, while the other nested tubes 3 b-3 f are movable (typically up and down) with respect to the ground. As a result, the first nested tube 3 a serves as a supporting (and guide) element for the other movable nested tubes 3 b-3 f (in particular, for the second nested tube 3 b).

Typically, as per the shown embodiments, the vehicle 2 is constrained to the nested tube of the nested tube arrangement 3 having smaller diameter (in cross section). Typically, considering the condition of the amusement ride 1 wherein the vehicle is at its raised position, the nested tube having the greatest diameter is the one placed at the lowermost position, while the nested tube with the smallest diameter is the one at the uppermost position.

At least part of the nested tubes 3 a-3 f (typically all the movable ones) are fluidically connected between each other. The fluidic connection between two subsequent nested tubes 3 d and 3 f is for example shown with reference to FIGS. 6A-7B. This description however applies in general to the fluidic connection between two generic nested tubes of the nested tubes arrangement.

Nested tubes 3 d and 3 e are each provided with a fluid chamber 30 d and 30 e for receiving operating fluid 10 in pressure. Fluid chambers 30 d and 30 e are fluidically connected to allow flow of the operating fluid 10 between the nested tubes 3 d and 3 e. In the shown embodiment, the nested tubes are hollow, so that the internal cavities (i.e. the internal empty space) of the nested tubes form the fluid chambers 30 d and 30 e

According to an embodiment, the nested tubes 3 d, 3 e are further provided with gas chambers 31 d and 31 e, which may advantageously be fluidically separated from the fluid chambers 30 d and 30 e for the operating fluid 10. According to a possible embodiment, as for example shown in the figures, the gas chambers 31 d and 31 e are annular and they are arranged around the fluid chambers 30 d and 30 e. The nested tubes 3 d and 3 e may be provided with sealing means 34, 35 to fluidically separate the fluid chambers 30 d and 30 e from the gas chambers 31 d and 31 e. In the shown embodiment, annular sealing means are arranged laterally with respect to the nested tubes 3 d and 3 e. As a result, the lateral space between the nested tubes 3 d and 3 e (i.e. between the lateral surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tube is fluidically separated from the fluid chamber 30 d and 30 e. Such a lateral space between the tubes 3 d and 3 e forms the gas chambers.

In the shown embodiment, the nested tubes (apart from the top one) are provided in two pieces, i.e. a main body B and an extension E, provided at the top portion of the main body B. The extension E is typically a hollow member that can be applied to an end of a nested tube. A gas chamber 31 d is provided between the external surface of the main body B of nested tube 3 d (i.e. of an inner tube between two subsequent tubes) and the inner surface of the main body B of the nested tube 3 e (i.e. of the outer tube between two subsequent tubes), while gas chamber 31 e is provided between the external surface of the main body B of the nested tube 3 d (i.e. of an inner tube between two subsequent tubes) and the inner surface of the extension E. The lower portion of the extension E may also be provided with (or it may act itself as) the sealing means 35.

Relative movement between the nested tubes 3 d, 3 e may vary the dimension of the gas chambers 31 d and 31 e. In particular, when the dimensions of the gas chambers 31 d and 31 e are reduced, the gas contained in the gas chambers 31 d, 31 e is compressed, so that a braking force is exerted on the moving nested tubes so as cushioning the relative movement of the tubes 3 d, 3 e, for at least part of their relative movement, preferably in proximity of the extended position or the retracted position. By doing so, a contact of the end parts of two nested tubes in the retracted position and/or the extended position can be damped by means of the modification of the dimension (e.g. the volume) of the gas chamber.

Openings 31, 32 and 33 may provide fluidic connection between the gas chambers 31 d, 31 e and the external environment. In the shown embodiment, gas chambers 31 d is provided with different rows of lateral openings 31 and 32, distanced one from the other in the longitudinal direction of the nested tube arrangement 3, while the gas chambers 31 e is provided with an upper opening 33. In these embodiments the gas used in the gas chambers is typically environmental air.

According to an embodiment, the sealing means 34, 35 can be provided to totally, or at least partially, close at least part of the openings 31, 32, 33 that fluidically connect the gas chamber 31 d with the external environment. The sealing means 34, 35 are typically arranged to seal (or partially seal) the openings 31, 32, 33 only when the nested tubes are disposed in pre-determined conditions. As an example, sealing means 34 may be arranged to seal (or partially seal, i.e. partially occlude) the openings 31 and/or 32 only when the nested tubes 3 d and 3 e approach the extended condition. Such an arrangement may be used to decrease the flow of air from the gas chamber 31 d towards the external environment, to reduce the relative speed of movement between the nested tubes 3 d and 3 e. In fact, when the two nested tubes 3 d, 3 e move one relative to the other, the sealing means 34 are moved as well, thus varying the dimension of the gas chamber 31. As a result, when the nested tubes are extended, the dimension of the gas chamber 31 is decreased, and air is compressed and expelled from the gas chamber 31 d via the openings 31 and 32.

In particular, opening 32 is bigger than opening 31, i.e. opening 32 allows a greater flow of air towards the external environment. As mentioned, the sealing means 34 are arranged to seal, i.e. to occlude, opening 32 when the tube 3 e approaches the extended condition from nested tube 3 d. Flow of air towards the environment is thus reduced, so that it is more difficult to compress air within the gas chamber, and thus the extension speed of nested tube 3 e from nested tube 3 d is reduced as well, providing a cushioning effect.

Similarly, the gas chamber 31 e is open at the top, so that the sealing means 35 are generally external to the gas chamber 31 e. However, when nested tube 31 e approaches the end of its downward run within the outer nested tube 3 d, the sealing means 35 enters and closes the gas chambers 31 e, so that a cushion of air is formed between the two nested tubes, increasing a braking force (due to the compression of gas within the air chamber 31 e) and causing relative motion between the nested tubes 3 d and 3 e to eventually cease.

The nested tube arrangement 3 also comprises fluid ejecting means 5, arranged to eject operating fluid 10 from the nested tubes 3 a-3 f to the external environment. Typically the fluid ejecting means 5 comprise ejecting openings or ejecting nozzles 5 a. In particular, ejecting openings or nozzles 5 a may be used when the operating fluid 10 is water, so that the “fluid” ejecting means are “water” ejecting means. According to an aspect, the water ejecting means are disposed at the vehicle 2 or close to vehicle 2, so that the water ejected from the water ejecting means 5 resembles a geyser lifting the vehicle. In fact, the ejecting means 5 may be placed under the vehicle 2. In other words, in this embodiment, the nozzles 5 a are placed under the vehicle 2 so that, in use, the sight of the nested tubes 3 a-3 f is substantially concealed to the user, giving him the impression of being raised by a jet of water.

In particular, according to an embodiment, the water ejecting means are arranged to eject water at an angle α equal to or lower than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, angle α may be equal to or lower than 60 degrees, and in some embodiments equal to or lower than 45 degrees, with respect to the axis A of said nested tube arrangement. In other words, the water ejecting means are arranged so that, in use, water is ejected at an angle lower than a radial direction with respect to the axis of the tubes. The water may advantageously be ejected downwards with respect to the nested tube arrangement. The above mentioned “angle” a is measured from the axis A of the nested tube arrangement 3, as for example shown in FIG. 9.

Thus an angle α of 90 degrees means that the water is ejected radially with respect to the nested tube arrangement 3. Typically, the amusement ride 1 is arranged so that, in use, the axis of the nested tube arranged is vertical; an angle α lower than 90 degrees thus means that water is ejected downward directed towards the ground. Typically, water is ejected through an ejecting opening or nozzle 5 a. The angle of the axis of the ejecting opening or nozzle 5 a with respect to the axis of the nested tube arrangement 3 is thus corresponding to said angle α.

Typically, the ejecting opening or nozzle 5 a is preceded by a bent or curved duct 5 b. The definition “precede” is to be meant with reference to the flow of the operating fluid 10. In other words, the operating fluid 10 meets the bent duct before being ejected from the ejecting opening or nozzle 5 a. Typically, the bent duct 5 b is placed just before the ejecting opening or nozzle 5 a, so that it is located at the vehicle 2. The bent duct 5 b is arranged so that, in use, the operating fluid 10 reaches its highest (i.e. most distant from the ground) point in its run within the nested tube arrangement 3 when it reaches the bend of the tube 5 b.

According to an embodiment, the curved duct is a substantially “U” shaped bent duct, as shown in the figures. This is particularly useful when water is ejected downwards with a reduced angle α with respect to the axis of the nested tube arrangement 3, thus providing a water ejection close (e.g. substantially parallel) to the axis of the nested tubes.

The fluidic reservoir 4 is fluidically connected, in a known manner, to the nested tube arrangement 3, so that operating fluid 10 may flow from the fluidic reservoir 4 to the nested tube arrangement 3. As an example, in the shown embodiment, a connecting duct 6 is placed between the fluidic reservoir 4 and the nested tube arrangement 3.

The amusement ride 1 also comprises means 7 to pressurize the operating fluid 10, namely water in the shown example. These means 7 may be of various kinds known in the art. As an example, in the shown embodiment, the pressurizing means 7 comprise an air compressor 7 a. In more detail, compressed air 11 is used to pressurize the operating fluid 10 (e.g. water in the shown embodiment), so as to force it towards (and within) the nested tube arrangement 3.

According to an aspect, the pressurizing means comprise a high pressure air tank 7 b, that is arranged downstream the air compressor 7 a. The high pressure air tank 7 b is fluidically connected to the air compressor 7 b, so that it can receive compressed air 11 from the air compressor 7 a. Thanks to this, in use, when there is the need of compressed air 11, it may be quickly provided by the high pressure tank 7 b. The air to be compressed by the compressor 7 may be taken directly from the environment. Otherwise, a low pressure air tank 7 c may be provided, e.g. interposed between the air compressor 7 a and the high pressure tank 7 c. In such an embodiment, when the air compressor is activated, it compresses the air of the low pressure air tank 7 c, to feed compressed air 11 to the high pressure air tank 7 b.

A number of valves 9 a-9 d may be disposed between the various element fluidically connected between each other, to selectively allow/prevent the flow of operating fluid 10 between them. In the figures there are shown: a valve 9 a at the outlet of the fluidic reservoir 4, a valve 9 b at the inlet (FIGS. 1-2) of the fluidic reservoir 4, a valve 9 c between the low pressure air tank 7 c and the high pressure air tank 7 b (FIGS. 3-4), a valve 9 d at the outlet of the high pressure air tank 7 b.

According to an embodiment, the pressurizing means vary the pressurization of the operating fluid 10 during different cycles of the amusement ride 1. In particular, according to an aspect, the pressurization of the operating fluid 10 is chosen according to the weight of the loaded vehicle, i.e. the weight of the vehicle 2 plus the weight of the passengers 20. As a result, the amusement ride 1 may comprise weighing means 8, to evaluate the weight of the vehicle 2 when one or more passengers 20 are loaded to the vehicle itself.

In the shown embodiment, the weighing means 8 comprise two pneumatic pistons 8 a, 8 b. The number of pneumatic pistons may vary with respect to what shown, e.g. a single pneumatic piston may be used, as well as more than two pneumatic pistons 8 a, 8 b. In general, the weighing means 8 are arranged to weigh the vehicle 2 when the latter is at the lower position. In the shown embodiment, the pneumatic pistons 8 a, 8 b are arranged laterally, such as in a parallel manner, with respect the nested tube arrangement 3. The weighing means 8 are may be separate from the nested tube arrangement 3, as per the shown embodiment.

The pneumatic pistons 8 a, 8 b are connected to a source of air (not shown). In an embodiment, the pneumatic pistons 8 a, 8 b may be connected to pressurizing means 7. As better discussed later, when the vehicle 2, loaded with passengers 20, is at the lower position, the pneumatic pistons 8 a, 8 b are initially extended to lift the vehicle 2, typically for a short run. The amusement device 1 may thus evaluate the force needed to lift the vehicle 2, to infer the weight of the loaded vehicle itself. This value may be used to set the pressure at which the operating fluid 10 should be pressurized to extend the nested tube arrangement 3 in the desired manner (e.g. with the desired acceleration/speed).

According to an aspect, the weighing means 8 may also be used to brake the run of the vehicle 2, typically in the downward movement. In particular, the pneumatic pistons 8 a, 8 b may be extended to wait for the vehicle 2. When the vehicle 2 contacts the pneumatic pistons 8 a, 8 b, the vehicle begins to compress the pneumatic pistons 8 a, 8 b that, due the pressurized air contained therein, damp (and thus brake) the movement of the vehicle 2.

In an alternative embodiment, the weighing means and the braking means may be separate, i.e. independent, one from the other. As an example, the above discussed pneumatic pistons 8 a, 8 b may be used only as braking means, while different weighing means (or no weighing means at all) may be provided. In the above discussed embodiment, the weighing means and the braking means coincide. It is also possible that the braking means and the weighing means are only partially “overlapped”. In other words, it may be the case that only part of the weighing means are used also as braking means or vice versa. As an example, both the pneumatic pistons 8 a, 8 b may be used as braking means, while only pneumatic piston 8 b is used also as weighing means. As a further example, both the pneumatic pistons 8 a, 8 n may be used both to weigh and to brake the vehicle, but the braking means comprise also elements (not shown) that brake the movement of the vehicle e.g. by friction.

As mentioned, the weighing means and the braking means may be separate one from the other, but they can both comprise one or more pneumatic pistons. As an example, pneumatic piston 8 a may be used to weigh the vehicle 2, while pneumatic piston 8 b may be used to brake the vehicle 2.

During use, the nested tube arrangement 3 is initially retracted so that the vehicle 2 is at its lower position, to allow loading of passengers 20 on the vehicle 2. In advantageous embodiments, after all the passengers 20 (not shown) are loaded onto the vehicle 2, the weighing means 8 weighs the loaded vehicle 2.

As mentioned, in the illustrated embodiment such as shown in the figures, one or more pneumatic pistons 8 a, 8 b are extended until they contact the vehicle 2. Subsequently they lift, typically for a short run, the vehicle 2. By evaluating the lifting force needed to lift the vehicle 2, the weight of the vehicle 2 loaded with passengers is measured.

Then, the pressurizing means 7 pressurize the operating fluid 10, and supply it to the nested tube arrangement 3, to extend it. As mentioned, according to an aspect, the pressurization of the operating fluid 10 may be set according to the measured weight of the loaded vehicle 2. As a result, the acceleration and/or speed of the vehicle may be substantially identical in subsequent cycles, even if the loaded vehicle 2 has each time a different weight.

According to an aspect, the air compressor 7 a compresses and supplies air 11 to the operating fluid (e.g. water) 10, to push the operating fluid within the nested tubes 3 a-3 f, to extend it. In more detail, with reference to the shown embodiment, valve 9 a is opened and water 10 is sent by gravity to the connecting duct 6. Meanwhile, compressor 7 a compresses the air 11 of the low pressure air tank 7 c, valve 9 c is opened, and air 11 at the desired compression degree (calculated as a function of the weighing means 8) is collected within the high pressure air tank 7 b. Subsequently, valve 9 d is opened, and the air 11 of the high pressure tank 7 b pushes water 10 within the nested tube arrangement 3.

Meanwhile, valve 9 a is closed, and the fluid reservoir 4 is filled again in a known manner with fluid coming from a fluid source (not shown).

As mentioned, there are different ways to supply pressurized operating fluid 10 (e.g. water) to the nested tube arrangement. In the schematic view of FIGS. 1 and 2, as an example, compressed air 11 is sent directly within the fluidic reservoir 4, in order to pressurize water 10 and to supply it towards the nested tube arrangement 3.

The pressurized operating fluid 10 then reaches the nested tube arrangement 3 and extends it, in order to move the vehicle from the lower position towards the raised position. The fluidic communication between the nested tubes 3 a-3 f may be arranged in different ways, according to the desired extension (i.e. deployment) pattern of the nested tube arrangement 3. The arrangement of air chambers 31 d, 31 e may also provide different deployment patterns.

With reference to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A-7B, the nested tubes 3 d and 3 e are provided with gas chambers 31 d and 31 e, that provide selective braking of the movement of the nested tubes 3 d and 3 f according to the relevant position between the nested tubes themselves. As mentioned, sealing means 33, 34 are integral with one of the nested tubes so as to vary the dimension of the gas chamber, so as to compress the gas housed therein, thus providing a braking force on the nested tubes 3 d, 3 e. A gas chamber 31 d can be provided with openings 31 and 32, wherein opening 32 is bigger than opening 31. Openings 31 and 32 are spaced ones from the others in the longitudinal direction (i.e. in the direction of the axis of the nested tube arrangement 3), and allow fluidic communication between the gas chamber 31 d and the external environment. In the condition of FIG. 6A, the sealing means 34 are not engaged with any of the openings 31, 32. As a result, a great flow of air is allowed from gas chamber 31 d to the external environment. As a consequence, air is easily expelled from the gas chamber 31 d, little or no compression of air occurs within the gas chamber 31 d so that little or no braking force is exerted on nested tube 3 e, that is rapidly extracted from nested tube 3 d.

Subsequently, the sealing means 34 engages the bigger opening 32, so as to (at least partially) occlude it, as shown in FIG. 6B. As a result, fluidic communication between the gas chamber 31 d and the external environment is provided only by the small opening 31. As a consequence, a greater compression of air occurs so that a braking force is exerted on the nested tube 3 e. The nested tube 3 e thus can continue its upward movement, but the speed of movement of the nested tube 3 e is decreased with respect to the previous condition.

According to an embodiment the operating fluid 10 (typically water) is ejected from the nested tube arrangement during the upward movement of the vehicle 2, i.e. during the movement of the vehicle 2 from the lower position towards the raised position. According to an aspect all, or substantially all, of the operating fluid 10 sent to the nested fluid arrangement is ejected from the latter before the vehicle reaches the raised position. In such an embodiment, when all of the operating fluid 10 is ejected from the nested tube arrangement, the vehicle 2 is no longer pushed upwards. As a consequence, the vehicle 2 begins to decelerate, typically under the action of gravity, until it stops its upward movement, i.e. when it reaches the raised position.

More in general, the vehicle 2 reaches the raised position and subsequently begins its downward movement, i.e. the movement from the raised position towards the lower position.

At least part of the run between the raised position and the lower position may advantageously be braked or damped. This may be achieved in different ways. As an example, according to an embodiment, braking means can be provided to act, directly or indirectly, on the vehicle 2. As mentioned, in various embodiments, the braking means comprise pneumatic pistons 8 a, 8 b.

The pneumatic pistons 8 a, 8 b wait for the vehicle 2 in an extended or partially extended condition, see FIG. 4. At a certain point of the run of the vehicle 2 from the raised position towards the lower position, the vehicle 2 meets the pneumatic pistons 8 a, 8 b, as shown in FIG. 5. From now on, the vehicle 2 compresses the pneumatic pistons 8 a, 8 b. The pneumatic pistons 8 a, 8 b offer resistance to such a compression, so that the movement of the vehicle 2 is damped (braked).

According to a different embodiment, the operating fluid 10, or the pressurizing means 7 (acting directly or, as shown, indirectly on the operating fluid 10) may be used to brake the movement of the vehicle 2, until it reaches the lower position.

Also, when the nested tubes approach the end of their downward run, a braking force may be provided thanks to a gas chambers 31 e, with reference to the shown embodiment, see in particular FIGS. 7A and 7B, when the nested tube approaches its end of run, the sealing means 35 enters the gas chambers 31 e, thus starting to compress the air housed therein. A braking force is thus exerted on the nested tube 3 e.

At this point, the cycle may begin again, supplying again pressurized operating fluid 10 to the nested tube arrangement 3, to lift again the vehicle 2, or the passengers 20 may disembark from the vehicle 2.

This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the figures of the accompanying drawing, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

Although the invention has been described in terms of embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention. 

1. An amusement ride comprising a vehicle for one or more passengers and lifting means to move said vehicle between a lower position and a raised position, the lifting means comprising a nested tube arrangement, having a plurality of nested tubes, a fluid reservoir for housing an operating fluid fluidically connected to said nested tubes, and pressurizing means to pressurize said operating fluid for supplying pressurized operating fluid within said nested tubes to extend said nested tube arrangement in order to lift said vehicle from said lower position to said raised position.
 2. The amusement ride according to claim 1, wherein said operating fluid is water.
 3. The amusement ride according to claim 1, wherein said nested tube arrangement comprises a fluid ejecting means, arranged to eject operating fluid from said nested tube arrangement.
 4. The amusement ride according to claim 3, wherein said fluid ejecting means are arranged to eject operating fluid at an angle (α) equal to or lower than 90 degrees, with respect to the axis of said nested tube arrangement.
 5. The amusement ride according to claim 1, wherein said pressurizing means comprise an air compressor.
 6. The amusement ride according to claim 1, further comprising weighing means to weigh said vehicle at least when it is at the lower position.
 7. The amusement ride according to claim 1, wherein the nested tubes are provided with at least one gas chamber defined between subsequent nested tubes of the nested tube arrangement, arranged so that the dimension of said gas chamber varies according to the relative position between the subsequent nested tubes of the nested tube arrangement.
 8. The amusement ride according to claim 7, wherein said gas chamber is provided with openings, wherein the nested tube arrangement is provided with sealing means to seal at least part of said openings, according to the relative position of said nested tubes.
 9. The amusement ride according to claim 6, further comprising braking means to brake said vehicle for at least part of the run from said raised position towards said lower position.
 10. The amusement ride according to claim 9, wherein said braking means and/or said weighing means comprise at least one pneumatic piston placed laterally with respect to the nested tube arrangement.
 11. The amusement ride according to claim 10, wherein said braking means and said weighing means coincide.
 12. A method of operating an amusement ride according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: (a) loading at least one passenger on said vehicle when said vehicle is at the lower position; (b) operating the pressurizing means to pressurize the operating fluid (10); (c) supplying said pressurized operating fluid to said nested tubes (3 a-3 f) to extend said nested tube arrangement in order to lift said vehicle from said lower position to said raised position; (d) operating the pressurizing means to reduce pressure of the operating fluid or to stop pressurizing of the operating fluid to retract said nested tube arrangement in order to lower said vehicle from said raised position to said lower position.
 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein between said steps (a) and (b), the vehicle is weighed, and the pressurizing means are operated to pressurize the operating fluid at a pressure calculated as a function of the weight of the vehicle.
 14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the braking means are operated to brake the lowering of the vehicle of step (d).
 15. The method according to claim 12, wherein during said step (c), the operating fluid is ejected from the nested tube arrangement.
 16. The amusement ride according to claim 3, wherein said fluid ejecting means is arranged to eject said operating fluid from said nested tube arrangement at the vehicle.
 17. The amusement ride according to claim 3, wherein said fluid ejecting means are arranged to eject operating fluid at an angle (α) equal to or lower than 60 degrees, with respect to the axis of said nested tube arrangement.
 18. The amusement ride according to claim 3, wherein said fluid ejecting means are arranged to eject operating fluid at an angle (α) equal to or lower than 45 degrees, with respect to the axis of said nested tube arrangement.
 19. The amusement ride according to claim 1, further comprising braking means to brake said vehicle for at least part of the run from said raised position towards said lower position.
 20. The amusement ride according to claim 6, wherein said weighing means comprise at least one pneumatic piston placed laterally with respect to the nested tube arrangement. 